How’d inactive QB T.J. Yates get hurt? Comedian Wade Phillips knows

Gary Kubiak sometimes was funny when speaking with the media. But the former Texans coach was often straightforward and to the point. When Kubiak did crack a joke or toy around, it was normally for only a brief moment, with Kubiak soon refocusing on the next task at hand.

Texans interim coach Wade Phillips often talks around questions, not directly answering what was asked. But Phillips can also be very open and personal, sometimes reflecting on his 66 years of life and 32 years of NFL coaching in a downhome style rarely seen in front of the modern media.

Phillips can also be a sharp-witted comedian. Without changing his tone or speaking manner, he regularly induces laughter during his press conferences.

Phillips was on his game Monday, beginning an extended media session — his first since replacing Kubiak — by dryly asking, “All right. Any questions?”

He then closed the interview with two instant classics.

Asked whether he would remain as the Texans’ defensive coordinator next season if he didn’t get the permanent head coaching job, Phillips was pragmatic.

“I would never say that. Because then they wouldn’t hire you as the head coach,” he said. “I’m not going to fall for that one.”

Asked how third-string quarterback T.J. Yates — who’s been inactive during games ever since Case Keenum became a starter — hurt his back, Phillips cracked his best one-liner of the year.